Sand sifter goby not eating

[homehobby]

I have had my diamond watchman sand sifting goby for about 3 years now. He has always been a good eater and had a big belly. I have noticed that he is not very interested in food and when it takes it in it will come right back out of his gills just like the rocks when he sifts. He is now skinny. It took me a while to notice that he was losing weight because he always hide in his tunnels. I noticed he was acting weird because he was not hiding and was very easy to catch.. I have in in a breeding tank that is hanging in the tank he is normally in hoping to target feed him to beef him back up. I feed him pellets usually but have put him back on mysis shrimp to help beef him up. I also bought krill in hopes that there will be more protein for him. Any recommendations?

 

[Tenshoa]

I would not rely on pellets as they are not very nutritious. The only time I use pellets are when I'm away (in the auto feeder) or as a secondary supplement to their normal food. Pellets are chock full of fillers. I feed all my omnivores and carnivores Mysis shrimp daily. My Diamond Goby is a fatboy and keeps growing like crazy. Not saying that this is your issue, but I've always been skeptical of pellet food.

Have you added any new livestock that could be stealing the food before he gets to it?

 

[homehobby]

Thank you for responding. I have not added any new livestock in over a year. I am back on mysis hoping to beef him back up.

 

[Tenshoa]

I assume that all of your parameters are fine? Does he seem to be eating in the breeding tank?

 

[alton]

http://www.fishlore.com/profile-diamondgoby.htm

I don't think they live that long? If you got a large adult to start, it may be his time? I lost my large one a couple months back that I had for 4+ years

 

[homehobby]

Tenshoa - He is eating in the breeder tank but not like usually. Parameters are fine and other fish are great. He usually is working not stop all day and right now he is only sifting a little.

Alton- Thank you -- I have had him for 3 years now. I hope he is not on his way out he is my favorite fish to watch.